Submarine

ABSTRACT

An essentially cylindrical, elongate pressure hull includes at least one pressure antechamber arranged essentially transversely to a longitudinal axis of the pressure hull. The pressure antechamber includes an access opening to the pressure hull which is closable in a pressure-tight manner and an access opening to the outside which is closable in a pressure-tight manner.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German patent application DE 103 10 901.3-22 filed 13 Mar. 2003the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a submarine, and particularly to asubmarine with a pressure hull and a pressure antechamber providingpassage into an out of the pressure hull.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] With known submarines, in particular for military application,the access into the pressure hull is effected via an entrance providedfor this in the tower, and this being exclusively above water, sincewater would otherwise penetrate into the pressure hull. Although furtheraccess openings are provided, according to the construction type, thesehowever either serve for maintenance or loading purposes, or are only tobe opened in the port or dock, or have a cross section which is shapedsuch that it is not envisaged and unsuitable for human access.

[0004] The tasks of military submarines are also becoming more and morecomprehensive, and for this reason it is desirable on the one hand toco-incorporate further installations in the submarine, be they of amilitary or civil nature and on the other hand to be able to dischargeand take in frogmen and/or marine vessels.

[0005] Although with military submarines it is known to outwardlytransfer frogmen or scuba divers via the torpedo tubes, this howeverentails various risks due to the position and size (small cross section)of the torpedo tubes, which is why this solution is unacceptable forsafety reasons alone. Furthermore the discharge of frogmen or divers byway of the torpedo tubes is also problematic inasmuch as these are thennot available for the torpedoes, so that the performance capability ofthe vessel suffers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Against this background it is the object of the invention toimprove a submarine with regard to its possibilities of use, inparticular to be able to take in and discharge frogmen in a simplemanner in the submerged condition.

[0007] According to the invention this object is accomplished by asubmarine with a substantially cylindrical, elongate pressure hull whichcomprises at least one pressure antechamber arranged essentiallytransversely to a longitudinal axis of the pressure hull. The pressureantechamber comprises an access opening to the pressure hull which isclosable in a pressure-tight manner, and an access opening to an outsideof the pressure hull which is closable in a pressure-tight manner. Thepresent invention also includes a method to retrofit existing submarinesto achieve these objects. A method for retrofitting a pressureantechamber in a submarine includes dividing the submarine transverselyto a longitudinal axis of the submarine; and integrating a submarinesection containing the pressure antechamber in-between the dividedsubmarine. The submarine is preferably transversly divided in a regionof a tower and the integrated submarine section also comprises a towersection. Advantageous formations of the invention are specified in thedependent claims, the subsequent description and the figures.

[0008] The basic concept of the present invention it to provide asubmarine having an elongate pressure hull with a further pressure hull(pressure antechamber) functioning as an antechamber, and to arrangedthis transversely to the longitudinal axis of the pressure hull. Inorder to be able to carry out the antechamber function, the pressureantechamber has an access opening to the outside which may be sealed ina pressure-tight manner, as well as an access opening to the pressurehull which may likewise be sealed in a pressure-tight manner. Moreoverthere are provided suitable technical means in order to flood thepressure antechamber after closure of the access opening directedtowards the pressure hull, and regarding pressure to adapt it to theouter pressure, as well as further in order in the reverse direction,before opening the access opening directed to the pressure hull, tobring the pressure antechamber to the atmospheric level of the pressurehull. Finally, apart from the previously mentioned means, in particularvalve controls, there are yet also provided means which prevent asimultaneous opening of both access openings.

[0009] The arrangement of the pressure antechamber transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the pressure hull offers the possibility ofdesigning the access openings sufficiently large so that a person ormarine vessel may pass this. The transverse arrangement requires acomparatively small installation space within the submarine. With newdesigns, the space required for this may be created by extending theboot design in the longitudinal direction, with existing submarines aretrofitting may be effected which, given a suitable arrangement,creates yet further free space for additional systems.

[0010] The pressure antechamber according to the invention may liecompletely or partly within the pressure hull, then it passes throughthis at least partly, it may however also be arranged as a separatepressure hull outside the pressure hull. The pressure antechamber isthen preferably arranged in the region of the tower, and specificallyconnecting roughly tangentially to the pressure hull so that it isconnected to the pressure hull either directly (penetration through thepressure hull) or via an access tunnel. In the region of the tower thereis sufficient space for such a pressure antechamber which according tothe invention is arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of thepressure hull, at least if it is the case of accommodating one orseveral frogmen who are to be brought in or discharged via this pressureantechamber. With this arrangement one requires no additional spacewithin the pressure hull, it is however on the other hand still possibleto accommodate the pressure antechamber within the existing outercontour of the tower so that no or only very insignificant disadvantagesarise on account of this.

[0011] If the pressure antechamber is arranged within the pressure hull,then the arrangement is preferably effected in a region on which thetower is also arranged. This region is particularly favorable for thissince it lies in the direct vicinity of the command center usuallyarranged in the region of the tower, and permits a good communicationwith the command center without expensive technical installations.

[0012] With such an arrangement within the pressure hull, the pressureantechamber may be integrated within the pressure hull so that a part ofthis pressure hull, in particular the cylindrical pressure hull casing,may also simultaneously form parts of the pressure antechamber. Theavailable space is exploited particularly well by way of this. Thedesign however then becomes relatively heavy on account of thereinforcement which is then necessary. Thus with such an arrangement thelid for example which closes the access opening to the outside may beformed by a part of the pressure hull casing.

[0013] The pressure antechamber is preferably elongate and at the endcomprises an access opening to the outside. With this arrangement theaccess opening to the outside may be formed comparatively large so thatthe frogman or frogmen, or the apparatus to be discharged via this maybe brought out easily, or almost the whole cross section of the pressureantechamber as well as the access opening to the outside may be used.

[0014] With regard to design, a cylinder shape with hemispherical orflattened hemispherical end sides is suitable for an elongate pressureantechamber. In order on the one hand to exploit the space within thesubmarine as optimally as possible given an installation positiontransverse to the longitudinal axis of the pressure hull, and on theother hand to form this as lightweight as possible with regard todesign, the pressure antechamber may preferably have an oval ordouble-ring-shaped cross section. The usable volume of the pressureantechamber may be enlarged by way of this without rendering the designexcessively heavy.

[0015] An essentially rectangular cross section may be favorable withregard to the use of space within the pressure antechamber; this howeverrequires extensive design reinforcement in order to achieve the samepressure strength as a pressure antechamber which is round in crosssection. Essentially rectangular within the context of the invention isalso to be understood as a rounded rectangular cross section or onewhose sides are convexly curved in cross section.

[0016] Whilst it is favorable to provide a lid for the access opening tothe outside, which frees or closes the cross section of the pressureantechamber as completely as possible, for the access opening to thepressure hull, a passage through which a frogman may crawl is usuallysufficient. Should the need arise, the preparations for the divingexpedition on the part of the frogman may also be carried out in thepressure antechamber itself, depending on the size of the pressureantechamber. It is also advantageous with regard to the use of space ifthe access opening of the pressure antechamber to the pressure hull isnot arranged in an end wall but in a longitudinal wall, since then thefree entry and exit may be effected in the middle of the pressure hullwhere there also exists adequate freedom of movement within the space ofthe submarine, which otherwise is quite confined.

[0017] The pressure antechamber according to the invention is preferablydesigned as a decompression chamber so that one may impinge the pressureantechamber with pressure in a targeted manner in the case of divingaccidents or other complications related to pressure, in order in thismanner to be able to prevent formation of embolism due to the suddenrelease of nitrogen in blood and tissue. One thus provides a suitablecontrol which impinges the pressure antechamber with pressure in atargeted manner and thus slowly brings this back to the normal pressurelevel. Furthermore, communication means are provided which permits theobservation and control of vital functions of those persons located inthe pressure antechamber.

[0018] The pressure antechamber according to the invention may also bedesigned for accommodating an underwater vessel so that the vessel maybe brought into the pressure antechamber via suitable guides without anyproblem. An underwater vessel within the context of the invention at thesame time is not only to be understood as an unmanned or manned minisubmarine, but a water vessel in this context may also be a drive whichis effective below water, with which a frogman may be propelled.

[0019] In order to be able to integrate the pressure antechamberaccording to the invention into an existing submarine, as usual thereexists the lack of space. The installation would therefore always entailthe extension of other units or installations. Moreover, theinstallation would also be rather difficult to arrange with regard tomanufacturing technology since the installation into the existingpressure hull would necessitate a large-area opening of the pressurehull. The integration of the pressure antechamber into the existingpressure hull and the reclosure of the pressure hull may further morelead to unroundness in this region which significantly compromises thepressure strength. A retro-installation in the tower region is generallyruled out for reasons of space. According to the invention, forretrofitting an pressure antechamber into an existing submarine it isenvisaged firstly to the divide the submarine transverse to itslongitudinal axis, to pull the submarine parts apart and to integrate apremanufactured submarine section containing the pressure antechambers,i.e. to connect it to the remaining pressure hull parts in apressure-tight and firm [rigid] manner. This method has the advantagethat on the one hand the required installation space is additionallycreated for the pressure antechamber and on the other hand that thepressure hull is not disturbed with regard to its supporting structure,but is fastened via a peripheral seam by way of suitable welding andreinforcement on the inner side. This method further has the advantagethat the submarine section to be integrated, which contains the pressureantechamber, may be premanufactured quasi in a modular manner so thatthe required installations need not be assembled in a restricted spacewithin the submarine hull but may be assembled and tested outside this.These modular submarine sections may furthermore be applied tosubmarines which are to be retrofitted as well as to new submarines tobe designed, which reduces the manufacturing costs.

[0020] With this, the submarine in the region of the tower is preferablytransversely divided, wherein the submarine section to be integratedalso co-comprises a tower section so that it is integrated flushly intothe existing outer contour in the longitudinal direction. The selectionof this section in the tower region offers considerable spatialadvantages since on account of this not only is the necessaryinstallation space for the pressure antechamber created, but furthermorefree space is created which may be used for further extending apparatusand for other tasks, for example for a unit for automaticallyaccommodating water samples, for new weapons systems, sensors but alsofor creating additional space for the crew. Such additional componentsmay lie in the field of communications equipment, communicationsreconnaissance, and opto-electrical components with extending apparatusor weapons guidance systems. The space may also be used for equipment,mines, rubber dinghies or other vessels, diving apparatus or measurementand analysis equipment.

[0021] The various features of novelty which characterize the inventionare pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forminga part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses,reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter inwhich a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1a is a greatly simplified schematic representation of alateral view of a submarine according to the state of the art;

[0023]FIG. 1b is the submarine in a representation according to FIG. 1a,with an inserted submarine section;

[0024]FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view through a submarine in the towerregion with a pressure antechamber;

[0025]FIG. 3 is an alternative design of the submarine in arepresentation according to FIG. 2; and,

[0026]FIG. 4a-d are different cross section shapes of the pressureantechamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The submarine 1 represented in FIG. 1a consists of an essentiallycylindrical pressure hull 2 which extends almost over the whole lengthof the submarine 1 and which forms the pressure-tight space for the crewand apparatus. A propeller 3 as well as rudder installation 4 is formedat the stern. A tower 5 extends upwards at roughly half the length ofthe pressure hull 1, which in the usual manner comprises the operationand observation station for travel above water as well as furtherextending apparatus for travel below water.

[0028] With the submarine represented by way of FIG. 1a according to thestate of the art, an access is only possible via the central accessopening in the tower 5. In order to integrate an access antechamber intosuch a submarine 1 with which persons and/or apparatus may be dischargedand taken in also in the submerged condition, the submarine 1 is dividedtransversely in the region of the tower 5. The section line is indicatedat 6. After pulling the remaining halves of the submarine apart, asubmarine section 7 is fitted in, which is shown crosshatched in FIG. 1band which includes an extension of the cylindrical pressure hull 2 aswell as the tower 5 arranged thereabove. The submarine section 7, whichwith already existing submarines 1 may be integrated by separation alongthe section line 6, or with submarines which are to be newly designedmay be integrated from the very beginning with respect to this design,comprises a further pressure hull 9, subsequently called a pressureantechamber, arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis 8 of thepressure hull 2.

[0029] Two arrangements of such a pressure antechamber 9 in the form ofa pressure hull 9 a in the region of the tower 5 as well as a pressurehull 9 b in the region below the deck 10 are shown in FIG. 3 by way ofexample. The pressure antechambers 9 a and 9 b are likewise elongate,but in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 8 of thepressure hull 2. At one end side (in FIG. 3 the one on the right) theycomprise an access opening 11 to the outside. This access opening 11 tothe outside may be closed by way of a lid 12 which is pivotally attachedto the pressure antechamber 9 and which ensures a pressure-tight closureof the pressure antechamber to the outside. With the arrangement at thetop in FIG. 3, the lid 12 is covered to the outside by a casing part 13which when the lid 12 is closed ensures that this is incorporated intothe flow profile of the tower 5 in a flush manner.

[0030] A further access opening 15, and specifically to the pressurehull 2 is provided in the side walling 14 of the pressure antechamber 9a. This access opening 15 may also be closed in a pressure-tight mannerby a shutter (not shown). The antechamber formed in this manner mayserve for discharging or taking in a frogman 16 or a marine vessel 17,as this is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2 and 3.

[0031] By way of the access opening 15 the frogman obtains access to thepressure antechamber 9 a which at this point in time is sealingly closedwith the lid 12. After closure of the access opening 15 leading to thepressure hull 2, the pressure antechamber is slowly adjusted to theouter pressure and flooded so that after opening the lid 12 the frogman16 or the marine vessel 17 may leave the pressure antechamber 9 a. Theadmission from the water is effected in the reverse sequence, whereinthe water located in the pressure antechamber 9 a is firstly blown out,whereupon the pressure is then slowly adapted to the pressure levellocated in the pressure hull 2 before the access opening 15 is released.

[0032] With the pressure antechamber 9 b illustrated at the bottom inFIG. 3 which as the drawing shows may be designed larger below the deck10 within the pressure hull 2 than the pressure antechamber 9 a onaccount of the spatial arrangement, the lid 12 is movably coupled to thepressure hull section 18 which although not functionally belonging tothe actual pressure hull 2 at this location however forms part of thethus formed outer contour and likewise serves for the flush closure whenthe lid 12 is closed. The pressure antechamber 9 b also comprises anaccess opening 15 in its side walling 14, but on the upper side as theillustration according to FIG. 3 indicates. The size of the pressureantechamber 9 b is dimensioned such that several people may be broughtin or out via this. Instead of persons one may also bring in or bringout apparatus, for example mines, location devices or likewise. Ifrequired a suitable handling device for these may be arranged within thepressure antechamber 9 in order to be able to carry out these proceduresin an automized manner, even in diving depths which are unsuitable forthe exit of frogmen.

[0033] Two pressure antechambers 9 a and 9 b are drawn in therepresentation according to FIG. 3 which may be provided in thesubmarine section 7 alternatively, or also together. With thisarrangement it is particularly advantageous that it is in the directvicinity of the command center 19 so that the coordination of thedischarging or admission procedures from and to the command center maybe effected directly by the shortest path.

[0034] With the embodiment variant represented by way of FIG. 2 whichlikewise shows a submarine section 7, but with an alternatively equippedpressure hull 9 c, part of the pressure hull 2 is designed as a separatepressure antechamber 9 c, and specifically a section below the deck 10.This arrangement although offering the largest possible space for thepressure antechamber 9 c however demands considerable reinforcement inthe region of this pressure antechamber 9 c. The access opening 11 tothe outside here is formed by a pressure hull section 18 which in thiscase however must be designed in a pressure-resistant and impenetrablemanner.

[0035] With regard to design, a pressure antechamber 9 with a roundcross section is to be preferred, as is shown by way of example by wayof FIG. 4b. The amount of space, as illustrated by the comparativerepresentations of FIGS. 4a to d is however comparatively low, sinceonly the height available below the deck 10 may be exploited. Inasmuchas this is concerned the arrangement according to FIG. 4a which shows apressure hull with a double-ring-like cross section is more favorable,thus a pressure antechamber which is formed of two intersecting cylindercasings. On account of the shaping, this design variant needs to beadditionally reinforced in contrast to that described by way of FIG. 4b.With regard to the use of space a pressure antechamber cross section ofan essentially rectangular shape as described by way of FIG. 4c and 4 dis even more favorable, inasmuch as these are referred to. The latterdesigns however necessitate a considerably greater reinforcement sincethey have a lower intrinsic stability on account of their shaping.

[0036] All previously described pressure antechambers 9 may also be usedas decompression chambers and are designed accordingly. The arrangementof a pressure antechamber 9 in or on a submarine 1 thus opens up variousapplication possibilities of the submarine in the military as well ascivil field.

[0037] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed in detail to illustrate the application of the principles ofthe invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodiedotherwise without departing from such principles.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0038]1—submarine

[0039]2—pressure hull

[0040]3—propeller

[0041]4—rudder installation

[0042]5—tower

[0043]6—section line

[0044]7—submarine section

[0045]8—longitudinal axis

[0046]9—pressure antechamber

[0047]10—deck

[0048]11—access opening to the outside

[0049]12—lid

[0050]13—casing part

[0051]14—side walling

[0052]15—access opening to the pressure hull 2

[0053]16—frogman

[0054]17—marine vessel

[0055]18—pressure hull section

[0056]19—command center

[0057]20—coupling location

What is claimed is:
 1. A submarine with a substantially cylindrical,elongate pressure hull which comprises at least one pressure antechamberarranged essentially transversely to a longitudinal axis of the pressurehull, wherein the pressure antechamber comprises an access opening tothe pressure hull which is closable in a pressure-tight manner, and anaccess opening to an outside of the pressure hull which is closable in apressure-tight manner.
 2. A submarine according to claim 1, wherein: thepressure antechamber at least partly passes through the pressure hull.3. A submarine according to claim 1, wherein: the pressure antechamberis arranged next to the pressure hull in the region of the tower andconnects to the pressure hull substantially tangentially.
 4. A submarineaccording to claim 1, wherein: the pressure antechamber is arrangedwithin a section of the pressure hull at which the tower is alsoarranged.
 5. A submarine according to claim 1, wherein: the pressureantechamber has an elongate shape and the access opening to the outsideis formed by an end lid.
 6. A submarine according to claim 1, wherein:the pressure antechamber has an oval or double-ring-shaped crosssection.
 7. A submarine according to claim 1, wherein: the pressureantechamber has an essentially rectangular cross section.
 8. A submarineaccording to claim 1, wherein: the access opening of the pressureantechamber is closable to the outside by way of a section which is partof the pressure hull casing.
 9. A submarine according to claim 1,wherein: the pressure antechamber has an elongate shape and the accessopening to the pressure hull lies in a longitudinal wall.
 10. Asubmarine according to claim 1, wherein: the pressure antechamber isdesigned as a decompression chamber.
 11. A submarine according to claim1, wherein: the pressure antechamber is designed for accommodating anunderwater craft.
 12. A submarine according to claim 4, wherein: thepressure antechamber has an elongate shape and the access opening to theoutside is formed by an end lid; the access opening of the pressureantechamber is closable to the outside by way of a section which is partof the pressure hull casing; the pressure antechamber has an elongateshape and the access opening to the pressure hull lies in a longitudinalwall; the pressure antechamber is designed as a decompression chamber;the pressure antechamber is designed for accommodating an underwatercraft.
 13. A submarine according to claim 12, wherein: the pressureantechamber at least partly passes through the pressure hull; thepressure antechamber has an oval or double-ring-shaped cross section.14. A submarine according to claim 12, wherein: the pressure antechamberat least partly passes through the pressure hull; the pressureantechamber has an essentially rectangular cross section.
 15. Asubmarine according to claim 12, wherein: the pressure antechamber isarranged next to the pressure hull in the region of the tower andconnects to the pressure hull substantially tangentially; the pressureantechamber has an oval or double-ring-shaped cross section.
 16. Asubmarine according to claim 12, wherein: the pressure antechamber isarranged next to the pressure hull in the region of the tower andconnects to the pressure hull substantially tangentially; the pressureantechamber has an essentially rectangular cross section.
 17. A methodfor retrofitting a pressure antechamber in a submarine, the methodcomprising the steps of: dividing the submarine transversely to alongitudinal axis of the submarine; a submarine section containing thepressure antechamber is integrated in-between the divided submarine. 18.A method according to claim 17 wherein: the submarine is transverselydivided in a region of a tower and the integrated submarine section alsocomprises a tower section.